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N20 performance numbers courtesy of a manual Z4 sDrive28i - 14.2@97

Insideline recently tested the new Z4 with the new N20 turbo 4 cylinder motor that is vastly underrated. The Z4 used was a manual and we would not be surprised if the auto produced better numbers. Insideline did not state where this test was done but they frequently use Fontana which is a notoriously slow strip. It is not far out of line to suggest this vehicle can hit high 13's in the 1/4 mile stock in better weather at a better track. That puts it roughly on par with a USA E36 M3 in a straight line. The Z4 actually happens to put more power down to the wheels than the US E36 M3 which should put the new N20 in perspective.

Inside Line's numbers are always really slow, they must employ grandmas to drive or something, but I've noticed BMWs get low skidpad and slalom numbers because of the crappy runflats they come with. Once you get rid of those, you're in a different world of cornering.

Inside Line's numbers are always really slow, they must employ grandmas to drive or something, but I've noticed BMWs get low skidpad and slalom numbers because of the crappy runflats they come with. Once you get rid of those, you're in a different world of cornering.

to me this is yet another iteration of a spiritual lineage that dates back to the e36 US M3. For some reason BMW has stubbornly maintained a 3 series variant that could turn low 14s-high 13s. Starting with the e36 US M, inherited to the e46 330, inherited to the e90 330, then to the 328, now this. Being a turbo motor, I'm sure this will yield a lot more with the least effort. Certainly a far more toyable motor than the NA 6 cylinder motors that preceded it. I sometimes miss my 13.6 m54. I think that despite the ease of increasing power with this turbo 4, it wont be necessary to really push it. There's something magical about a car that has torque all over the place and s54 performance while sipping fuel.

Track temp, tires, moist and driver are all variables which influence a slalom outcome, even with the same car on a different day...

This. too many variables, just because one car was compared to another car doesnt mean $#@!. what was the ambient temp? track temp? tires used? relative humidity? all that has a huge impact on tire traction.

I never listen to 'auto magazine' reviews because they are geared towards yuppies with no technical prowess.